Missing farmer found dead near Fairfield

A 68-year-old farmer was found dead Tuesday morning in southeast Spokane County after leaving his home on an ATV more than 12 hours earlier, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department.

The man, who has not yet been identified, was located by helicopter just before 5 a.m. Tuesday …

A 68-year-old farmer was found dead Tuesday morning in southeast Spokane County after leaving his home on an ATV more than 12 hours earlier, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department.

The man, who has not yet been identified, was located by helicopter just before 5 a.m. Tuesday. Sheriff’s deputies were called in at midnight after family and friends reported the man missing since 4 p.m. Monday. He was found in a heavily wooded area southeast of Fairfield near the Idaho border.

Search and rescue teams said it appeared the man had driven over an embankment on his ATV. The death is not suspicious and is being called “a tragic accident” by sheriff’s deputies. An autopsy will be performed.